Hello everyone. Whether you’re a CLL student or an online visitor, welcome to the first session of Introduction to Creative Writing. Over the next eight weeks we will be looking at different aspects of creative writing and trying our hand at various forms. I’d strongly encourage you to have a go at the exercises along the way, and please feel free to leave comments or ask questions at the end. And now, without further ado… Continue reading ‘Releasing your creativity’
Archive for September, 2007
Are you a beginner writer? Do you know you want to put pen to paper but not know where to start? This eight-week course based on workshops I give in the North East of England, will give you an introduction to the basic elements of creative writing from prose fiction to poetry. The course is entirely free and you can work through it at your own pace. Feel free to ask any questions along the way by posting in the comments box. If you would like feedback on your work, we offer a reasonably priced critiquing service . The eight-week course will cover: Continue reading ‘Introduction to Creative Writing course’
For those subscribers who are waiting for my promised overview of the Christian publishing market, check this out while you wait. Abidemi Sanusi from www.christianwriter.co.uk pointed me towards this article on Christian fiction in the UK in Christianity magazine. Have a read then share your views.
Unpublished children’s writers might want to check out this competition run by Chicken House and The Times. They’re looking for manuscripts of under 80,000 words in any genre, for 9 - 16 age group. Closing date is 17 November 2007.
‘Amateur’ (not sure if this means unpublished) children’s writers can enter the Academy of Children’s Writers competition. Any age. Any genre. Closing date 31 March 2008.
Short stories or books up to 1,000 words are wanted for the Writers’ Advice Centre Children’s Story Competition. Any age. Must be suitable for current market. Closing date: 31 August 2008.
If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration you may want to check out my free articles on writing for children: what makes a good children’s book, picture books, sex and romance, mysteries and thrillers. Or have a look at my children’s book Donovon’s Rainbow, which is available as a free download.
I’m a ghost. You may not know me by name, but you might know some of my books. In many cases the ghostwriter / client relationship is protected by a confidentiality agreement, but in others, the named author is all too happy to admit that they have had some help in writing their book. That’s the kind of ghostwriting I prefer: where egos are in their rightful place.
Egos can make or break a ghostwriting contract; either the ghost’s or the client’s. If you are the kind of writer that must have their name emblazoned across the front cover then maybe this isn’t the type of writing for you. If on the other hand you are satisfied with knowing that you have written a good story, and you don’t mind if someone else takes the adulation (or flak!), then you could be a successful ghost. It may also be a step towards having your own work published some day. Continue reading ‘Confessions of a Ghostwriter’
For new writers living in the Blyth / Seaton Deleval area of Northumberland, I will be running an 8-week course introducing the basics of creative writing, starting on Wednesday 26 September 2007. Continue reading ‘Introduction to Creative Writing Course’
For all writers in the NE of England: explore all kinds of non-fiction writing - autobiography, specialist articles, opinion pieces, writing for the internet, travel writing and much more, in this 8-week course. Starting Friday, 5 October 2007, 10.30am at the Centre for Lifelong Learning, Newcastle. Continue reading ‘Non-fiction writing course’
I’ve just relaunched my children’s book, Donovon’s Rainbow as an e-book, and made it available as a free download. Or you can buy print copies of the book; 10% of all sales will go to Beautiful Gate Ministries, supporting HIV Aids orphans in Africa. For more information click here.
Welcome to The Crafty Writer, published by Fiona Veitch Smith, a freelance journalist, author, playwright and writing teacher. This site is full of information and resources to help you on your journey to become a better writer. 
